Once the whole team had arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, we went by bus to the hospital in Can Tho. The team was greeted with a warm welcome, and we toured the hospital (OR, recovery room, ward, sterilizing area, storage area and dental clinic). 14 duffel bags with equipment were stored. After a good night’s sleep at the hotel, screening day started bright and early.

The families who had already arrived came to the hospital to have their children screened. Each child was registered, photographed and checked by the nurses, anesthesiologists, plastic surgeons, and pediatrician, and had a dental hygiene exam. You could feel the nervous energy of the parents. They only want the best for their children and were so hoping to have surgery provided. Out of the 67 patients that were screened, 39 were scheduled for surgery.

On the first day of surgery, the OR room had to be organized and involve doctors and hospital residents. Many were interested in watching which resulted in the OR being crowded.

All the operations were successful, and the patients left the hospital. They are expected to be back on the final day for final evaluation.